Obituaries

OXFORD — Peter Aordkian died on March 1, 2014. He was born in Bridgeport on June 4, 1927. He was the son of the late Misak and Satenig Dinehanian Aordkian.

Peter was the husband of Barbara Anderson Aordkian. He grew up in Naugatuck and graduated from Naugatuck High School. He served two years in the U.S. Navy after World War II. Peter graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Central Connecticut State University and earned his master of science degree in counseling and administration from Columbia Teachers' College. He also completed an additional year of study at Columbia. Peter was a guidance counselor in Huntington, Long Island, and he enjoyed a 26-year career as a guidance counselor at Bunnell High School in Stratford. He retired in 1986 after 36 years in education.

In retirement, he loved to tend his yard, flower and vegetable gardens, and split wood. In his spare time, he loved to read, listen to jazz, enjoy a classic Western movie, and tell stories to his children and grandchildren. His family cherished his Armenian shish-kebab cookouts each summer.

In his early years, he loved to golf, hunt with his Brittany spaniels, and fish. He gave his family priceless memories of camping trips throughout the country for many summers. His yard was his masterpiece and a passion that he and Barbara shared for 50 years. He loved to build things and could advise anyone on any do-it yourself project. His main interest and source of pride was his family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Anderson Aordkian; and his three daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Don Singleton of Conway, S.C., Susan and Todd Satter of Hill City, S.D., and Nancy and Daniel Pelaez of Oxford. He is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren, Nicholas and Kathryn Singleton, Michael and Julia Satter, and Daniel and Mariah Pelaez. He was predeceased by his older brother, Edward Aordkian of Naugatuck. He is also survived by his younger brother, Dr. Solomon Aordkian and his wife, Sheila, nephews Todd and David, and nieces Alesa and Jill.

A funeral service in celebration of Peter's life will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, in the chapel of the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank St. (Route 67, across from Klarides Village), Seymour. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until the start of the service at 7 p.m. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please continue Peter's appreciation for the public library by making a donation to your local library or sending a gift in his memory to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Road, Oxford 06478.

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